“People don’t know what treasure we have in Milwaukee.”

Ernee Kender is a Germantown resident and visitor to the Grain Exchange and other local buildings during the Doors Open event in Milwaukee. The Grain Exchange invented the very first trading pit in the 1860s, and for some time Milwaukee exported more wheat than any port in the world. It can be difficult to take the time to stop and appreciate Milwaukee’s history, and Doors Open helps visitors from all walks of life learn about the city’s rich culture.

Alexis Lonzo: Where are you from, are you originally from Milwaukee?

Ernee Kender: I’m originally from Austria, but now I am in Germantown. I used to work in Milwaukee.

Q: Why did you take the time to come here today?

A: Just to be with my friends. We did the cancer walk today; we are with two survivors. Then we wanted to do all of the places downtown, all the history places, and this was on my bucket list.

Q: You mentioned this place was on your bucket list, why was that?

A: I’ve heard so much about it, and I heard about the architecture. I love Milwaukee architecture.

Q: Did you learn anything today that you didn’t know before?

A: It’s funny because I worked around this area, and when you work in an area you don’t really get to visit it and experience it. It’s like right in your back door and you don’t really realize it or its significance. Now I’m checking it out.

Q: Do you feel like you know Milwaukee pretty well?

A: I thought so, I’m learning more and more, and it’s just kind of one of those things that people don’t know what treasure we have in Milwaukee. I had people I used to work with, and they’d say, “you go to Milwaukee?” and I would say, “Of course it’s the coolest thing that could be.” I’m happy that they have this Doors Open event. People don’t realize what they’re missing if they don’t experience it.